Govt on ‘high alert’ over violent disorder despite weekend easing

LONDON: Ministers will remain on “high alert” over the violent disorder that swept through parts of Britain despite tensions appearing to subside over the weekend, Downing Street has said.

Police had been braced for further riots but no widespread unrest arose after a large turnout of anti-racism protesters and warnings that those involved could face 10-year prison sentences.But Number 10 said on Monday that the Government was “not complacent” as “the work is not done” in dealing with the fallout from the violence.

Sir Keir Starmer has cancelled a planned holiday to Europe in order to “ensure that we can respond to the disorder”, a spokeswoman said. Meanwhile, on a visit to Hull on Monday, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh was to meet British Transport Police officers and staff involved in responding to the violent disorder the city saw last week.

“We welcome that there has been a de-escalation this weekend,” she said.“But we’re certainly not complacent and remain on high alert. “We also recognise that the job is not done until people feel safe in their communities, but thanks to the work of our police officers, prosecutors … and judiciary, we have seen a swift response from the justice system.”

There continues to be a heavy focus on prosecuting those responsible for the disorder, which saw police officers attacked, mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers targeted, shops looted and community facilities torched.

Sir Keir will continue to have meetings and receive updates on the justice process this week, the spokeswoman said.Far-right rallies and violence broke out in parts of the UK following the killing of three young girls in Southport after false claims spread online that the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived in Britain by boat. It comes after HomeSecretary Yvette Cooper condemned “shameful behaviour” from “some senior politicians and pundits who sought to undermine the legitimacy and authority of the police”.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, she said respect for officers needed to be restored after the “brazen abuse and contempt” shown by rioters.Ms Cooper did not name anyone specifically, though the Reform UK leadership along with X owner Elon Musk are among the most high-profile figures to have claimed the UK has “two-tier” policing.So far, 927 people have been arrested and 466 charged in relation to the recent disorder, a spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said on Monday.